When I'm in Seoul, I like to splurge on face and hair treatments (links to reviews of all the places I've tried below), so I need to save money elsewhere. Here are the best free things to do in Seoul on a Shoestring Budget, from palaces to museums and outdoor adventures.
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If, like me, you've blown all your money on facial treatments in Seoul (or perms and haircuts- click the respective links to read my unsponsored reviews of all the places I've tried in my 14 years of visiting South Korea, including a stint selling Korean beauty products)- here are some ways you can save money by trying these fun but free things to do in Seoul.
Seoul is a city with a vibrant culture and rich history- from walks along the Han River, discovering centuries-old traditional Korean architecture in Bukchon Hanok Village, to basking in the lively atmosphere of Seoul festivals, there's lots you can do without spending a single Won!
Note: if you plan to shop, here's a FREE Dongdaemun voucher from Klook! (It's a Super Pass that gets you exclusive discounts and sometimes free gifts)
Historical Expeditions
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Visiting a Korean palace in Seoul is a must. Gyeongbokgung is one of the most popular, but it does have an entrance charge. However, if you wear a hanbok when you visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁), you don't have to pay the entrance fee! (Buying is expensive, but renting hanbok is pretty cheap, as you can see here.)
Renting the Korean traditional costume is cheap but if you REALLY don't want to fork out even a single won, then go on the last Wednesday of the month- that's Culture Day and it's free to visit ALL the palaces in Seoul. (If you're not there at the end of the month, you can also enjoy free entry on some public holidays.)
If you're in South Korea in May, do check out the night time tours of the Palace!
Note: You can combine your Gyeongbokgung Tour with the National Folk Museum of Korea and Changing of the Guard ceremony (both free, more on them below.)
Seniors above 65+ also get to enter Gyeongbokgung for free!
Gyeonghuigung Palace
Alternatively, if you want to avoid crowds, you can visit Gyeonghuigung Palace (경희궁) which was built in 1620. There's less to see as the palace has only been partially restored, but it's 100% free to visit every day (except Monday and January the 1st when it closes.)
It's like stepping back into a time when kings and queens roamed the corridors!
Bukchon Hanok Village
For those who are fans of Korean traditional architeture, not far from Gyeongbokgung is Bukchon Hanok Village.
Walking among these traditional Korean houses, some of which date back to the Joseon Dynasty, feels like a journey into a Korean historical drama. You can even take a kimchi class or a mother of pearl craft class in one of the traditional korean homes! I've done both, and you can click through for my reviews of both.
Just keep in mind it's still a residential area, so be respectful!
Changing of the Guard
There are a few places where you can watch this.
Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gwanghwamun (수문장 교대의식)
The Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held at Gyeongbokgung Palace/ Gwanghwamun reenacts the guard-changing procession of the Joseon dynasty, complete with costumes and weapons recreated based on historical records.
It's free to watch!
Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161
Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)
There are also no fees if you want to watch the Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식.)
The procession is held three times a day to traditional Korean music- each follows the same procedure and lasts for around 40-60 minutes. However, the ceremony is not held on Mondays or on very cold or hot days.
After the ceremony ends, you can even take pictures with the gatekeepers.
Address: 99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 중구 세종대로 99
Don't forget to print out the Korean name and address to show the cab driver or in case you need to ask for directions!
Outdoor Adventures
Seoul is a bustling metropolis that is lucky to be very close to many mountains and beautiful natural places, so outdoor excursions won't cost you a dime (apart from transport costs!)
In fact, hiking is one of Koreans' favorite activities!
Cheonggyecheon Stream
When I first saw Cheonggyecheon Stream 청계천 on the list of best things to do in Seoul, I thought it sounded boring. However, after visiting several times, I can see the appeal (especially in the summer months, when Seoul is swelteringly hot- the stream is located slightly below ground level and usually feels cooler!)
Depending on when you visit, you'll find different exhibitions or festivals being celebrated along the stream.
For example, starting in spring, there's even a free outdoor library there, and you can join many Koreans enjoying reading books on its banks! It's a great place to take a breather from all that shopping and sightseeing!
The stream is pretty long, so depending on which section you walk along, you may see anything from beautiful birds to Korean traditional art. It's my favorite way to get around the attractions in Seoul, such as from (near) Myeong Dong to Gwangjang Market (seen on Netflix, but it's lately gotten some bad press.)
My favorite time to visit is during or just after sunset, when the stream is beautifully lit up.
Hiking
Hiking in Korea is a fun and inclusive experience- compared to countries the west, you will find many more beginner-friendly and elderly-friendly trails. (Think wooden steps and platforms, as shown above.) I recommend visiting Bukhansan National Park if you have the time!
If you're a more seasoned hiker, there are more challenging hikes too. Winding through the city's outskirts, these trails offer not just a respite from overcrowded Seoul but also stunning views of the skyline.
Don't forget to bring a water bottle to fill at the water fountains and save money!
Seoul Forest
One of my favorite things to do in Seoul is visit Seoul Forest (really a park.)
Next to the park is a street where you find plenty of cute shops and eateries. Even if you don't buy anything, simply window shopping along that stretch is super enjoyable. The first time I visited, I didn't spend a cent but still had a great time!)
Han River
Do you like watching K-dramas? If you do, you must have seen the leading actor and actress strolling along the Han river in a Korean show or two! In real life, the Han river is a hub of activity, and a great place to enjoy a stroll, bike, jog, picnic, or celebrate a festival or two.
The riverside becomes especially lively during summer, and you'll find free concerts etc under the stars.
Art and Museums
Exploring Seoul's art scene doesn't have to cost a fortune. In fact, there are many free museums and art exhibits scattered across the city, offering a deep dive into both contemporary and traditional Korean art.
From tucked-away galleries in Insadong to vibrant street art that brings Seoul's alleys to life , every corner of Seoul has a story waiting to be discovered. What's more, many museums periodically open their doors to the public for free- I've listed some of my favorites below!
Seoul Musuem of History
This free museum is open every day but Monday, from 10 am to 6 pm, with the last admission at 5.30 pm.
There are even guided tours and audio guides for the permanent exhibition halls. (You can book the tours here: [email protected])
Ihwa Mural Village(이화동벽화마을)
Like Gamcheon Cultural Village in Busan, Ihwa Mural Village is a gentrified area located on a hillside. (The area was almost demolished a decade ago.)
You'll find many sculptures, colourful mural paintings and mosaics on the walls of the village, created by both local artists and university students.
Please remember to keep the area clean and quiet- the noise and litter got so bad, in 2016, residents painted over 2 of the most famous murals to express their unhappiness!
Once you've explored the area, there are 2 more free activities nearby: exploring the lush greenery of Naksan Park or walking the Seoul City Wall down to Dongdaemun.
Insa Dong
Alternatively, why not visit Insa-dong, where many local artists have exhibitions of their works in the art galleries? Some even give small presents to guests (there is no entry fee) such as postcards, which make great souvenirs of your Korean trip!
Ikseon Dong
Just a short stroll from Insadong (though I don't recommend walking over, as the walk is not very pleasant) is Ikseon Dong, another hanok village full of cute cafes. Even if you don't get a drink at them, just wandering through the small alleys and browsing the shops is very enjoyale!
Seoul Museum of Craft Art
In between selling Korean skincare and starting a food and travel blog, I used to have a DIY and Craft blog, so visiting the Seoul Museum of Craft Art (서울공예박물관) is one of my favorite things to do in Seoul, free or otherwise!
You can learn about many Koream traditional crafts, such as mother-of-pearl laquerware making, embroidery, and more! I enjoyed it so much I even took a mother-of-pearl class in Bukchon (click through for the review.)
- Address: 4 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울시 종로구 율곡로 3길 4)
- How to Get There: Take the subway to Anguk Subway Station. Leave via Exit 1 and the museum is just 50 meters away.
- Opening Times: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm (Closed Mondays and January 1st)
National Folk Museum of Korea 국립민속박물관
This Musuem about Korean culture and agriculture is located on the ground of Gyeongbokgung Palce (to the East.) It's free to enter but note that the opening hours vary with the seasons, as indicated below, and the last entry is 1 hour before closing time.
Opening Times
Nov-Feb: 9:00-17:00
Mar-May, Sep-Oct: 9:00-18:00
Jun-Aug: 9.00-18:30
Weekends & Public Holidays (May-Aug): 9:00-19:00
Closed on 31 Jan, the day after Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) and Chuseok
Address: 서울특별시 종로구 삼청로 37 (세종로) | 37, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
National Hangeul Museum
Did you know that Korean, being a consciously-invented language, is one of the easiest languages in the world to learn?
Modern Korean was invented by King Sejong in 1443 to improve the literacy of the general population and replace Hanja, the Chinese characters used at that time. It is so versatile, it has even been used by an indigenous Indonesian tribe to preserve their own language.
To find out more about this fascinating Korean history, visit National Hangeul Museum (국립한글박물관)!
- Address: 139 Seobinggo-ro Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea (서울특별시 용산구 서빙고로 139)
- Opening Times:
- Monday – Friday, Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Saturday: 10:00am ~ 9:00pm
- Closed on January 1, Lunar New Year, Chuseok, and August 15th (Lunar calendar not the regular August 15th, so the date changes every year.)
It's located on the same land as the National Museum of Korea so you can even combine the 2 Museums into a single day.
Temples
You'd imagine that the best Buddhist temples are all secluded in the mountains or forests. However, there are several located in the middle of Seoul worth visiting.
Bongeunsa Temple
Bongeunsa Temple (봉은사 (서울))Gangnam, to be exact- you can see it from some of the rooms of Intercontinental COEX Hotel) is a great place to spend a few tranquil hours. (You may want to combine it with a trip to the Starfield Library at COEX.)
The temple houses 3,479 Buddhist scriptures, spanning 13 types. On the ninth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, the Buddhist ceremony Jeongdaebulsa is carried out: monks carry the scriptures on their heads and recite the Beopseongge (Buddhist rites) whilst marching.
Note: you can enjoy a temple stay here (alas not free.) If you don't mind paying a bit, I highly recommend getting a cup of tea at the teahouse!
Jogyesa Temple
Located near Insadong, in the heart of Seoul, Jogyesa Temple (조계사) is the head temple and center of Korean Buddhism. Several cultural events, such as the yearly Buddha's Birthday Lantern festival, take place here.
Address: 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 종로구 우정국로 55
Best Views of the City
Many people like to go to N Seoul Tower in Mount Namsan- I've been but didn't find myself that impressed. Sure, the views are great, but you can get equally good ones for free elsewhere! (If you are suffering from FOMO, you can just walk around Namsan Park- where the tower is located- the greenery views are also great!)
I'll list some of the more centrally located free observation decks below.
Shinsaegae Department Store (명동 신세계면세점 명동점)
Since many tourists stay around Myeong Dong, the Myeong Dong Shinsegae Department Store (next to Namdaemun Market) is a great place to enjoy a free view of Seoul. You can even see Namsan Tower from its rooftop garden (with statues, usually free admission, except on special occasions.)
The food court in the basement is also great- I find the food there better than the one at Lotte Hotel Seoul (and it's also less crowded.)
Address: 77 Teogye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울 중구 퇴계로 77)
For those willing to venture a bit further, the bridges spanning the Han River are secret viewing spots for snapping that perfect city skyline photo. Each bridge presents a unique angle of Seoul, with the Banpo Bridge offering an extra treat: a dazzling rainbow fountain show during the warmer months.
And let's not forget the accessible rooftops scattered throughout the city. Buildings in popular areas like Hongdae and Itaewon sometimes have open-access rooftops, setting the stage for a dramatic viewing experience under the starlit sky or the early hues of dawn. So, grab your camera, and let's catch Seoul's beauty from heights unimaginable, all for the wonderful price of free.
Nightlife Without the Price Tag
Seoul is literally a city that doesn't sleep. (When one of my Korean friends visited Singapore, where I'm from, her summary was: "It's kinda boring. Not much to do at Night. Ouch!")
Hongdae
Luckily, diving into Seoul's electrifying nightlife doesn't have to drain your wallet. Head to the busy streets of Hongdae- the area around Hongik University- where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere without spending a single won on entry fees.
Plus, you'll usually find many street performers busking around Hongdae. (The performances are pretty good- definitely much better than the ones I've seen in Busan, for example.)
Korean Markets
Alternatively, check out the night markets.
They're literally a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and smells, and a great place to take amazing photos of your trip! I'll be really impressed though if you can resist all that delicious Korean street food and really not spend a cent!
Travel Tips
TIp #1: When you buy things in Seoul, you're often given freebies, called "service." This is especially common when buying make-up and skincare. Depending on how much you spend, you can get anything from a free manicure to a complimentary cabin bag! In the past, you used to be given free skincare samples and free mask sheets just to ENTER a shop, but over the years it's become much less common. Too much abuse where people just walk in to get the freebie then leave, I think.
Tip #2: Remember to get an eSIM or local SIM card. Though WiFi is everywhere, wandering around Seoul's alleys can be confusing so it's always good to have easy access to Naver maps.
Tip #3: A good time to visit Seoul is in Spring or Fall. During these seasons, the weather is not as hot! (Though watch out for air pollution in April and May.)
Any questions about visiting Seoul on a shoestring and the best free things to do in Seoul? Let me know in the comments!
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